Maintain economic momentum in Rochester

Recent signs are positive, but the work isn't done

There are indications both regionally and nationally that the years-long recession that has frozen much economic activity may be beginning to thaw. That bodes especially well for Rochester, which has endured the downturn better than much of the state and, thus, is poised to take advantage of changes in the economic weather.

Take jobs. While unemployment was up locally and statewide last month, Monroe and Ontario counties still boast among the lowest jobless rates in all of upstate. Construction projects, for example, dot Rochester - from residential developments on the corner of West Main and Plymouth, to the big new Wegmans going up on East Avenue, to ongoing facilities upgrades in city school buildings.

Too, the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council recently received $600,000 from the state to help fund a program called Multiple Pathways to Middle Skills Jobs. The partnership among public schools, colleges and businesses is designed to connect workplace needs with education. That's important, as thousands of middle-skills jobs regionally and throughout the state continue to go unfilled because applicants lack appropriate skills. With some jobs waiting and others in the pipeline - such as those planned at a proposed tech park under development near Batavia - targeted training will be key.

There are other signs of economic optimism: A new real estate report from Siena College finds New Yorkers bullish on home values and the housing market, with confidence highest upstate. Sales statewide were up 7 percent last year.

It is not all smooth sailing; regional hospitals, for example, are making adjustments in preparation for Affordable Care Act changes; the Clifton Springs, Ontario County, facility eliminated dozens of positions last week. But with the national jobless rate at a five-year low, and stocks up 85 percent since President Obama took office, an economic tailwind appears to be building. Rochester businesses, set sail.